Ron Burke To Train Atlanta

Following her record-breaking sale on Friday (Feb. 15), Trot Insider has confirmed that 2018 Hambletonian winner Atlanta will move to Ron Burke's barn for the 2019 racing season.

The four-year-old mare by Chapter Seven - Hemi Blue Chip went for auction starting on Tuesday (Feb. 12) on an online auction website and sold to Michelle Crawford for $1.55 million, buying back the millionaire mare for owners Crawford Farms, Brad Grant, Howard Taylor and Holland Racing Stable. Her sale, according to Grant, was done so to dissolve a five-percent share of the horse since the previous ownership group, including trainer Rick Zeron, could not agree on a proper buyout deal.

"We're happy, she's a great mare," said Grant after maintaining ownership. "There was a lot of serious interest in her, which shows that people believe she's a great mare. We'll move forward, and I want to wish Rick the best on his future endeavours, and hope things work out."

Atlanta's auction served also to keep her eligible for stakes in the 2019 season with sustaining payments due on Feb. 15.

Burke is coming off his third 1,000-win season and sixth straight campaign with more than $20 million in earnings.

"Not often do you pick up a true champion," Burke posted on social media on Saturday night. "Thanks [Michelle Crawford], Brad Grant and Howard Taylor."